The Brazilian boy simply known as Misael weighted 2.9kg when he was born but every month since then, he has gained approximately 3 kilograms. The poor boy, who is supposedly suffering from Prader–Willi syndrome, now weighs 70kg and is struggling to walk. Classic signs and symptoms include constant craving for food and rapid weight gain. Misael eats frequently and consumes large portions and even then he still feels hungry. The boy also has serious behavioral problems and his parents have to hire a private taxi to transport the boy to a local hospital.
While syndrome itself is not life threatening, the compulsive eating and resulting weight gain can be. That is why restricting a child’s diet is a particularly important part of managing their condition.
“And when we walk down the street, people stop, want to take pictures with him, people say that they never saw a boy this size.”
Although there is no cure for Prader-Willi syndrome, treatment aims to manage such symptoms as a permanent feeling of hunger, which can easily lead to dangerous weight gain, reduced muscle tone, learning difficulties and behavioral problems.